LIVERPOOL'S winning spree was halted at Anfield this afternoon after they were held to a draw by a battling Wigan side.

The Reds had to settle for a frustrating point which brings Kenny Dalglish's run of four consecutive victories to an end.

Raul Meireles' first half strike, his fifth in six games, gave Liverpool an early platform to build upon.

But they were pegged back in the second half when an improved Wigan side equalised through Steve Gohouri.

Luck was on the side of the Roberto Martinez's men as the defender was patently in an offside position when he slid home.

Liverpool tried to fight back, with new £22.8m signing Luis Suarez impressive, and he almost pulled it off when his free kick smacked against the crossbar.

But a resilient Wigan clung on for a 1-1 draw which ended a disappointing afternoon for the Anfield crowd.

The Reds remain in sixth place, but have lost an opportunity to gain more ground on Tottenham and Chelsea above them.

Liverpool made two changes from the side which famously beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last Sunday.

Steven Gerrard missed out with a groin injury along with Daniel Agger who scored for Denmark in Copenhagen against England on Wednesday night.

Fabio Aurelio came into left midfield while £22.8m signing Luis Suarez made his full debut up front alongside Dirk Kuyt.

The Reds had an optimistic appeal for a penalty waved away by referee Kevin Friend after just three minutes when Suarez fell easily in the box while trying to reach Dirk Kuyt's low cross from the left.

The Uruguyan had started well, showing plenty of pace and good close control and his understanding with the Dutchman looked promising.

Liverpool's first effort on goal came after 18 minutes when good interplay again through Suarez and Meireles led to a shot from Kuyt which was spilled by Ali Al Habsi in the Wigan goal who grabbed it at the second attempt.

The Latics were still dangerous however, and only a last-ditch block from Jamie Carragher prevented the visitors from splitting the Reds wide open after good work from the lively Charles N'Zogbia.

But it soon mattered little as Liverpool went ahead on 23 minutes thanks to the trusty right foot of Raul Meireles.

The Portuguese international pounced after Fabio Aurelio's chipped cross was headed poorly out by Steve Gohouri only for Meireles to volley home emphatically from 12 yards out.

It continued the midfielder's incredible scoring spree, the strike registering his fifth in six games.

The Reds were purring now and minutes later a flash of genius from Suarez almost led to Liverpool's second.

A lovely feint from the former Ajax man saw him bear down on Al Habsi's goal and his raking right foot shot thudded against the post.

It was hugely unlucky on the South American who is already looking like £22.8m well spent by owner John Henry.

Dalglish's men largely controlled the first half, but Pepe Reina still had to stay alert to save an N'Zogbia free kick just before the break, and shortly later, punch away a Ben Watson inswinging cross.

Wigan started the second half well, Ben Watson to the fore for the Latics, before Liverpool made a quick change, replacing goalscorer Meireles, who'd picked up an apparent knock, making way for David Ngog.

The Frenchman joined Suarez up front while Aurelio came inside from the left to partner Lucas in the middle.

Liverpool were now workmanlike at best as they struggled to find a rhythm in the second half to kill off the game.

And they paid the price when Wigan grabbed an equaliser after 64 minutes.

The lively N'Zogbia crossed from the right which got the sliver of a headed deflection across goal before being met with a close range finish from Steve Gohouri.

The Reds looked for a linesman's flag which should have been forthcoming as it appeared Antolin Alcaraz had touched the ball following N'Zogbia's delivery.

But Wigan deserved the goal after coming out in the second half with renewed purpose as Liverpool conceded their first goal in five games.

This was now a real test for Dalglish's men as they were left with 20 minutes to continue their recent winning run.

Gohouri's strike had galvanized Wigan and Rodallega headed over the bar with Reina grasping at fresh air.

But the Reds themselves upped the ante when Suarez powered through only to be brought down on the edge of the box by Caldwell.

The Latics captain was lucky to stay on the pitch after his earlier booking and the resulting 20 yard free kick from the Uruguayan was crashed onto the crossbar with Al Habit a spectator.

Liverpool were pressing for the winner now and neat interplay between Johnson and Maxi resulted in Suarez curling high over the bar.

Aurelio was the next to go close with a fierce left-footed strike that flew just over.

But despite the Reds late rampage, they couldn't force the winner that their performance just about deserved.